black bayou lake national wildlife refuge

Took my grandsons for a visit and a picnic. We had an enjoyable afternoon walking around the grounds. Of course it would have been great to see a really BIG snake or alligator-----however, they knew we would probably only see smaller animals. They had fun and watched the small snake in the lake along with other critters. The displays inside were interesting, too. We had a good time and will go again.

We were visiting some friends in West Monroe and they brought us here to the Black Bayou. The walking trails were a lot of fun. There was a slight issue with red wasps as it was late March, but if you don't bother them then they usually do not bother you. :) We informed the staff at the main building about the wasps and they said someone will take care of it. Our friends go there on a regular basis and said that wasps are not usually a problem there. We saw some large turtles, several snakes (including several water moccasins), but we didn't see any gators except some baby ones in their aquarium building. All in all, it was a lot of fun and worth a trip back.

What a beautiful place. I stumbled upon this treat while traveling through Monroe for work..it was not listed as an attraction in Monroe and I would have missed it if I hadn't been intent on finding some "tonic for my soul" near the water that my GPS was teasing me with that was peeking out from along the I165 corridor beside some residential areas. I loved seeing so many different bird species and listening to the movement of the critters along the trails and in the water above the sounds of squeals from the toddler around the path that was being swung in the arms of his father and grandfather.

We meant to stop by for a short visit to walk the boardwalk, and stayed for a few hours. The boardwalk is amazing, and takes you over the water and through the cypress trees where there's plenty of wildlife to view. There's also an overlook in to the swamp, and a bird-blind where you can view wildlife as well. We started hiking on one of the trails, and ended up at the visitors center, which turned out to be really informative. It's staffed by very friendly volunteers who know the area, and can answer all of your questions about the local nature. Next to the visitors center is another building that houses live animals like fish, snakes, turtles, and some baby aligators. We would have rented a kayak/canoe for the lake, but it was pretty chilly that day. I'd love to come back, and finish more of the trails and take a paddle on the lake. This is a great spot for kids too, with lots of activities and a fun "challenge trail" to try out. (it's a lot of fun for adults too. )

Black Bayou Lake NWR has an active Friends group. Their fund raising and work have made this refuge an example all should hope to match. The trails, boardwalk, amphitheater, blinds, and visitor center are top notch. Access by foot or canoe is excellent to grasses, woods, and cypress dotted lake.We visited(and had too little time, as we were on a tight schedule) in late October, 2013, in the afternoon. The birding was excellent, from Anhinga to egret to sparrows to waxwing. The access is easy from 165, north of I-20. Whatever your interest, plants, birds or other wildlife, this northern Louisiana site should be a scheduled stop with a planned visit of at least 2 hours, but a half-day would be very enjoyable.

Black Bayou is everything you imagine Louisiana to be- the bayou, the cypress trees, the wildlife. The Friends of the Black Bayou has done an incredible job of making Black Bayou accessible to the public with a museum, canoes and trails. Each year, they hold a big fundraiser which is a lot of fun with a catfish fry and educational activities. One year they did a turtle release where the children got to help. This is a great family outing! Our kids love it.

Great place to see a bit of real Louisiana - rent a canoe and paddle your way thru the waterways looking for alligators & other wildlife - check out educational center with the beautiful mural and paintings - even though it was incredibly hot when we went - it was very enjoyable! Highly recommend !

The Black Bayou experience was great. There are many animals to see in their natural habitats. The walk is really nice and mostly shaded. The nature center had very nice remerabilia. I especially loved the walking stick selection.

Beautiful spot! Nature trail with boardwalk over the lake. We did not see an alligator, but we enjoyed the stop. We were there after the visitor's center closed, but if we come back through Monroe, we'll visit again and hopefully get to see it all.

Wonderful boardwalk. Grandchildren were very excited to see an alligator swim by! They had a blast seeing all the different birds and even loved the blooms on the trees. My granddaughters fascination was with the huge lily pads.

This is a wonderful place to spend some time and get some great pictures! The paths are easy, family friendly. We did see an alligator, other wildlife, and so many unique scenic views from the pier and walking paths. We would have loved to see it from a canoe and it would be incredible early morning or sunset. Definitely worth a detour!

A wonderful place for photographs and hiking along a wooden walkway through the swamp, many things to photograph, a tour of the building and staff made it a comfortable to be there, I will be going again.

We were able to walk out on nice piers that extend out into the Bayou. Got to see lots of wildlife. Saw two gators swimming out in the wild. But there are no bathrooms atleast down were you walk because the station was closes at 4pm but the park is open till dark.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place, established for wildlife, but very visitor friendly. Free to access, open daylight hours, the refuge offers beautiful scenery, always changing with the seasons and time of day, weather, light, etc. The refuge is a great destination for a picnic, a nature walk, bird-watching, boating, fishing, or educational outing for the kids. The visitor's center is staffed daily by friendly volunteers who are happy to provide information, direct your activities, or sell you a souvenir from the gift shop. The lake can be accessed for fishing, canoeing, or kayaking, beautiful year-round, but most exciting during late spring and summer, when alligators can be viewed sunning themselves on the banks. You can walk for miles on improved or barely improved trails, keeping your eyes open for snakes, rabbits, coyotes, armadillos, raccoons, and dozens species of birds from the painted bunting to the green heron, bald eagle, and turkey. If nature is your thing, this is the best place in Monroe, LA to experience it.

This is actually located in Monroe, LA, in Ouachita Parish. The refuge is beautiful and has trails through the woods as well as canoe rentals. Beautiful pier over the water where you can see baby alligators and other wildlife in their natural surroundings. Worth a visit for anyone, families, etc. There is a visitor center and education center. This is open to the public and there is no charge.